FORM’s mission is to be a dynamic presenter and producer of Australian contemporary dance, based in Parramatta, Western Sydney.
FORM’s purpose is to rigorously support independent Australian dance artists and develop audiences for contemporary dance.
FORM VALUES:
FORM’s artistic program is underpinned by four pillars:
Provide presentation opportunities for independent dance artists, and commission and produce collaborative works with leading Australian and international artists and partners.
Support contemporary dance practice, professional development and pathways for early career to established artists. Cultivate inter-disciplinary collaborations and exchange between independent dance artists and cultural artists.
Nurture dance culture in the wider community through education, skills development, art form appreciation and cross-sectorial collaborations such as dance and health.
Develop and maintain an online hub, with innovative digital content, to evolve Australian dance discourse, grow company and artist visibility and networks nationally and internationally.
ARTISTIC VISION
FORM exists to provide opportunities for Australian independent dance artists to create, experiment, present new work, and connect with audiences. We support artists at all stages of their career, develop their national and international profiles and provide valuable professional development opportunities.
FORM’s program spans four key areas – presentation and producing, education, community engagement and audience development The interconnectedness of these activities is vital for a wider appreciation of Australian dance culture in a shifting contemporary context.
As one of the leading presenters of independent dance in Sydney and Australia, FORM is the place artists come to premiere new dance work and realise their artistic vision. Our signature Dance Bites program is acclaimed for its eclectic curation, showcasing a wide range of choreographers working across diverse styles – from the innovative and experimental to the popular and accessible. The works of experienced, more established artists are placed alongside those of promising newcomers.
We are committed to high production and presentation values. We support artists’ practices, investing in administration, production and marketing elements of new work, and offering free studio space for creative developments, showings, workshops, and rehearsals.
FORM takes risks. We commission and produce large innovative new Australian dance works, made in Parramatta, Western Sydney. In collaboration with diverse partner companies and leading Australian independent choreographers and artists, we extend professional development opportunities for mid-career artists to create and collaborate in the making of innovative new work.
FORM provides unique opportunities for young people in Western Sydney. We increase their exposure to renowned choreographic practice, contribute to artform appreciation and develop young audiences. We play an important role in fostering the next generation of dance makers.
In 2020-2021 FORM co-founded a Western Sydney youth dance ensemble, the WE ARE HERE Company, led by Associate Artist, Emma Saunders. WE ARE HERE provided practical pathways for early career dance artists (16-30) to maintain dance training, develop their dance practice in a supported environment with industry professionals, and create new works by young Australian dance artists.
Through our enlivening education program, we provide access and participation in dance culture for early-career artists and performing arts students. Underpinning the artistic program and as a companion to our Dance Bites program, the education program includes skills development, workshops, Q&A sessions and masterclasses.
The annual Sharp Short Dance Festival for choreographers and dancers 21 and under offers young artists a unique opportunity to experience a presentation environment supported by industry peers. Selected Sharp Short Dance young artists receive unique short secondments with leading companies such as Sydney Dance Company Pre-Professional Year, Stalker Theatre, Catapult Dance and Shaun Parker & Company. In previous years FORM Dance Projects has facilitated SSD secondments with Bangarra Dance Theatre, Legs On The Wall and The Dream Dance Company amongst others.
FORM’s partnerships are vital to our work. We have developed and maintained numerous relationships across industry sectors and across Western Sydney that will continue to help us forge new ground and broaden opportunities for the dance sector.
With growing national and international interest in the fields of dance for health and creative ageing, FORM’s health alliances grow community participation in programs promoting the health benefits of life-long dance. Through our seniors’ dance and Dance for Parkinson’s programs, led by Diane Busuttil in 2020, we encouraged inclusivity, well-being, and creativity.
FORM communicates with new audiences on-line. We will continue to invest in commissioning innovative digital dance content, such as the Blogger-in-Residence, which contributes reputable critical discourse around Australian dance. A 10 part podcast series including members of the Cultural Performing Arts Network (CPAN) was curated and produced by FORM in 2020-2022.
As caretaker of CPAN, established in 2011 with Fairfield Council and Community First Steps, FORM has developed a strong connection with the local cultural performing arts sector in Western Sydney which ensures that cultural diversity continues to be at the core of every aspect of FORM’s program.
